Welcome to this week’s 5BF: knowing the holy book, Islamic
diversity over unity, the importance of not being excited, Queen’s widowhood,
and more…
1 – what I read
The Koran by Michael Cook – from Oxford University Press’s
series of book called ‘a short introduction’, this handy book by Professor Cook
talks and explain the holy book of Muslims, The Koran. It is a very comprehensive,
almost textbook-like, knowledge about The Koran both as a book and as a holy book
and everything in between.
2 – this week’s articles
Against Muslim unity @aeon – the Hajj is seen as the prime
example of Muslim unity, that is that all Muslims are united as one, states
this article, but argues with it with a very powerful inside story. Being the
Hajj pilgrimage, author Faisal Devji, tells a story about how he, another
Muslim from Deobandi sect of Islam, and the driver got into the discussion that
soon revealed the cracks between this otherwise united nation. But it is a good
thing, he argues. Muslims should embrace their diversity and learn to live with
disagreements and love.
Seeing the queen alone adds a painful note for many watchingfrom home @nytimes – about a week or so ago, Prince Phillip, queen of England’s
husband, passed away. Stretching upon a picture of the queen sitting alone,
mourning for his husband, this short article points to how lonely one can become,
and how relatable it is for everyone suffering from this pandemic.
3 – Masterchef Australia season 13
This past Monday, the season 13 of MCAU premiered. If anyone
knew me well, they’d would know that I am a big MCAU fan; I’ve even discussed the
show on 5BF as well a couple of times. Although I am yet to watch the first
episode and catch up on others as well, I already know it’s going to be great.
4 – on the lack of excitement as a necessity
‘For the victim of anxiety, there is no difference between
success (excitement) and fiasco (anxiety). His reaction to the one is the same
as to the other: both trouble him equally.’ – Emil Cioran. I find excitement
uncontrollable, overwhelming, therefore I see it as a threat, a state of displeasement.
Then the quiet which follows is even worse. My struggle, or rather a passive
hope, for a state of shielded calm and undeterred composure, I believe, met its
goal during this busy, intellectually involving, and threateningly engaging
past week, where contrary to what I usually end up being, which is utterly overwhelmed
and miserable thereafter, I remained (in the language of memes) ‘kalm’. No wonder my best mood is called 'normal'.
5 – this week’s quote
‘coming true is not the only purpose of a dream. It’s most
important purpose is to get us in touch with where dreams come from.’ - to-be-googled